Julie Rollinson  is the director of, an image consulting company specialising in personal style management in what to wear. As a Visual Arts Head Teacher for 25 years, Julie enjoyed a diverse and challenging  career that allowed her to nurture artistic talent in numerous young people. After studying interior design, Julie worked as a colour specialist in her own business to give interiors a visually exciting quality and a unique artistic touch. Asserting a creative bent and innate sense of colour and style, As an image consultant  and personal stylist Julie is obsessive about helping people feel great about themselves. 

Julie offers exciting wardrobe options and a range of image services to help women and men find the right clothes for their body shape, their lifestyle and their budget. Make fashion mistakes a thing of the past and get more value for your shopping dollar. After a Drab2Fab consultation you will always know what to wear, what to buy and what suits you when it’s time to get dressed. It is an essential investment that every person can benefit from.

Julie strongly believes that people underestimate how much an initial impression is based on your overall appearance and the clothes you wear.

“Investing a little time and effort into your image grows confidence and you are more likely to create a positive impression and maximise your opportunities for success.” Julie Rollinson  

Did you know that most people wear less than one third of their clothes?

Can you imagine the amount of money and time wasted? How often do you open your wardrobe and proclaim: I have nothing to wear!

Make fashion mistakes a thing of the past and get more value for your shopping dollar. No matter what your shape or your budget, Drab2Fab can help advise you on the clothes to wear from head to toe so that you look and feel fabulous.

Expert personal stylist and image consultant Julie Rollinson can change your wardrobe and your look with one consultation. “If someone invests a little time and effort into their image and they know what to wear in order to flatter their unique body shape and physical characteristics, their confidence grows and they are more likely to create a positive impression and maximise opportunities for success.”

To the untrained eye, it turns into a matter of guesswork figuring out what’s most suitable for you, but for Julie, accentuating your best assets and helping you look fabulous is just like second nature to her.

Invest in yourself and say goodbye to impulse and frivolous shopping and hello to wiser shopping decision by knowing what to wear. Drab2Fab services include colour and style consultations, wardrobe overhaul, personal shopping, dress for success, total image for men, fabulous makeovers, event planning and bridal styling along with workshops and seminars.

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Lets look first at  the reasons why many women are in this position and then I will explain why using an image consultant can help solve your wardrobe disasters.

Here is a list of the top ten reasons why a woman only wears 20% of her wardrobe 80%.

• When they go shopping they don’t have  shopping plan
• They do not understand what suits their body shape, age or colouring
• Body shape changes through pregnancy, illness or getting older can confuse them and they become unfamiliar and lost when it comes to knowing what suits them
• They have had a  lifestyle change
• They do not know what image or look they want or need.
• When shopping they are unaware of what shops cater to their clothing needs
• They are unwilling to waste more money on clothes they may not wear.
• Many women do not understand that sometimes it is necessary to alter their clothes to achieve the best possible look. Many are not willing to pay extra for alterations when they have already spent money purchasing the clothes. This often results in great clothes not fitting their body correctly. Examples of this would be shortening a jacket, nipping in a waist for more shape, taking up a sleeve or hem or even adding shoulder pads.
• They do not give themselves time just to explore shops at different locations to become familiar with what is offered and where.
• They do not allow themselves sufficient time to discover what they desire – most miracles do not happened during a lunch break! A frenzied last minute search often ends in purchasing  a ‘this will do’ which almost unavoidably becomes a ‘closet orphan’.

So how do we solve this problem? The best way is to enlist the services of an image consultant to take you on a personal shopping trip.  How do personal shopping trips work? Your image consultant will look at you and your body shape, size, personality and life style. She will then guide you when shopping to ensure that you will only purchase items that flatter your body and make you feel great and look fantastic. No more impulse buying. No more closet orphans. These items will be pieces  that will add value to your wardrobe as you will wear them over and over again.

The benefits of using an image consultant are numerous and the lessons you will learn when shopping can be taken with you throughout your life. Shopping will become fun again and by selecting the correct clothes you will not only be wearing 100% of your wardrobe but saving thousands of dollars along the way.

What Does An Image Consultant Do
An image consultant is a personal stylist, personal shopper, colour consultant all rolled into one. You could say that an image consultant is your one stop shop for all your makeover needs. Image Consultants are specialists in visual appearance, verbal and nonverbal communications. They work with you to provide you with self-confidence and credibility. Who could use an image consultant?

• Students entering the workforce
• Women returning to work
• Professionals
• Business Owners
• Sales People
• Job Hunters

Essentially anyone who wants to look good and feel great

If you’ve gone from the workforce to motherhood, motherhood back to work, have retired or just need a fresh start, purchasing time with an image consultant is an investment in your future. Look at the clothes you currently have in the wardrobe and assess the amount that you rarely or don’t wear and then, think of how much money you have wasted. After a consultation this will not happen again.

What Happens In A Makeover

Here are some of the things that are covered in a makeover;

• Colour Consultation
• Style Consultation
• Wardrobe Overhaul & Planning
• Personal shopping
• New hair and makeup

Individual colour consultation take around takes 2 hours. For this you receive your own personalized colour swatch to take home to use when shopping plus a set of complete colour notes and strategies for becoming more resourceful when co-ordinating clothes in your wardrobe.

When you have your colour consultation you’ll learn which colours are best for you, and how to wear those you already own, but you can’t justify getting rid of the item just yet. The session will also cover your makeup. The make-up will be updated to reflect your new colours, as well as recommendations on which hair colours are just right for you.

In the process you will be:
• Draped to verify your best colours
• Which of the neutral colours are best to use for the basis of your wardrobe.
• Provided a colour swatch of 50 of your very best colours are taught how to used them when shopping
• How to wear and apply make-up
• You will be receiving a complete set of notes on your colours and how to wear them to best effect. Notes include best metals, glasses colours, investment pieces, contrast, combining colours, psychology of colour and hair colouring.

With a style consultation your image consultant will look at your body shape and determine what works for you and what you should avoid. She will teach you how to apply your new found knowledge so you can become your own personal stylist. You will also be provided with notes to take home that covers all aspect of fashion from;
• Hair styles
• Jewellery
• Clothing
• Shoes
• Body Shape and Proportions
• Lifestyle & Personality Analysis
• Defining your individual style
• Best work clothes tailored to your dress code
• The best clothes to highlight your features and hide your perceived flaws

A ‘wardrobe overhaul’ is key to establishing your closet essentials and liberating you from everything impractical, unflattering and seriously outdated that is just uselessly hogging up space. By doing this will;

• Result in a workable wardrobe that suits your budget
• Highlight the successes in your current wardrobe
• Provide practical advice on optimizing your wardrobe options by putting together as many outfits as possible to fit every occasion
• Outline the importance of wardrobe basics to make your wardrobe more functional and complete
• Reveal what cuts, colours and styles of clothes suit you best
• Create order in your wardrobe so you can clearly see what you have at a glance
• Help you identify how seasonal fashion trends can be adapted for you

An image consultant is there to take you through your makeover and empower you with knowledge so that you can achieve these steps later on by yourself. This transformation can be taken at your own pace so that you become confident in your new self. So what are you waiting for? Take the step and make the transformation.

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But where do we start?

Power Suit

A quality classic, two-piece suit in a neutral colour can literally take you anywhere you want to go.  With the emphasis on simplicity and elegance, you can wear it to job interviews, business meetings, conferences, to conduct a presentation or speak in front of a group. It adds credibility whenever you need it and shows you are consistent, organised and professional. 

If you opt for a suit on most days you can’t really go wrong, but make sure it fits your body well and is not outdated. For variety in what to wear try adding a great shirt, fine knit vest, rich silk scarf, a trendy blazer, or 3/4 length sleeve jacket in a contrasting colour to modernise your older suit skirts and pants. They’ll still add credibility while also giving you a chic, of-the-moment vibe. And, of course, your outfit would never be complete without some killer heels that ooze power and a savvy sense of style.

Shirtdress

A crisp shirtdress can be business appropriate in an instant.  Accessorize according to your office dress code.  If you need something more formal try hosiery and classic pumps but if casual is the go you can express your individual style with a wide belt, matching tights and some stunning knee-high boots.

The Wrap Dress

The wrap dress is an easy what to wear option with a sophisticated style that is elegant and also flattering for most figures.  The diagonal line visually slims and lengthens the torso, making our plus size girls look slimmer, big-busted girls look less chesty, and petite girls look taller.  Probably the only figure it doesn’t look right on is the tall, slender, small-busted model-types as it makes them look taller, thinner, and really flat chested. 

The Jacket

Appropriate for business casual office wear, a classic crop, tailored boyfriend or safari jacket can complement an outfit. Pair it with either a pencil skirt or flat front pants to give you credibility in a chic yet casual way.  Opt for a classic look or reveal your unique sense of style with trendy details and interesting jacket features.

Twin Set or Cardigan

While it may seem old fashioned, wearing a simple knit shell top with a matching cardi has been popular since the 1930’s because it looks great and is really easy to wear.  Pair it with a straight or pencil skirt or smart trousers for polished business casual attire. Add your signature style and look chic at any age with interesting accessories.

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What can a style consultant do for you? They will:

•  Consider your daily activities and customize a look that expresses your personality and individuality.

• Guide you in making the right decisions about what to wear and what not to wear. This can be achieved in a few ways:
  

1.   By analysing your body shape and proportions they will be able to educate and show you how to maximize your body structure to accentuate your best features and downplay certain problem areas

2.   Assessing your wardrobe and selecting which pieces are suitable. During this process the style consultant will use your current clothes as an example to demonstrate what styles fit correctly on your body and why other ones that don’t.

3.   Taking you shopping (with the knowledge that you have now gained) to show you how and where to purchase clothes that are right for you

An individual’s appearance influences other people’s view of them. For many years social psychologists have been conducting studies into the impact of visual image on a person’s life. Time after time their results suggest that a person’s appearance has a considerable impact socially and professionally. In our fast paced world, many assumptions and impressions about people are formed very quickly using quite limited information.  For this reason you need to employ the services of a style consultant. If you have experienced divorce, illness, job loss, seeking a new look for a confidence boost or to just want feel good about what you are wearing, you need to enlist the services of a style consultant.

With our current depressed economy, it is imperative to be smarter about your fashion purchases. Living in the perfect world one could enter a high end designer boutique and shop till we drop! But, economically speaking, this is clearly not practical shopping behaviour.  A style consultant can take you shopping in your own closet therefore reducing the cost of buying new clothes. By clearing out your wardrobe and removing clothing that is unattractive, doesn’t fit or is out-of-date, a style consultant is able to see what garments are left over. Usually, a new look can be created by adding to existing outfits. The most significant thing is to make the most of the asset you have already in your wardrobe and stretch it out to get the most bang for your buck. Working on the principle “less is more” a style consultant has the knack of making the most out of what you have already and can create outfits you never thought possible.

Compliments or a kind word can go a long way to alleviating the stress of wardrobe disasters. A style consultant understands fashion trends and how they can be applied to your particular body structure to get maximum results from minimum effort. When you wear clothes that flatter your figure it completely changes your overall look. When you look good, you feel good and people will undoubtedly notice! With the assistance of a style consultant, you will never be a fashion victim again.

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Getting married in the tropics offers a number of unique challenges. Unlike a wedding close to home, much can be unknown about the venue and therefore decisions have to be made in advance to ensure a stress-free event and the comfort of the bride, groom, wedding party and guests.

While the destination may set the scene or theme for the wedding, choosing a beach wedding gown that best suits the bride and the location needs careful consideration. If the weather is very humid avoid beach wedding gowns which have fabrics that can cling or drape too closely to the body. Natural fabrics such as silk breathe and can be more comfortable. A single hooped cotton petticoat worn beneath the gown can assist with air flow. If the bodice is a corset, do not lace it too tightly as swelling and heat may make the bride dizzy or faint. When choosing the veil to complement the dress, select a style and weight of tulle which is light and detachable. A heavy veil over the face and covering the back can inhibit airflow and be most uncomfortable. Many brides remove the veil after the formal photographs are taken, so they can move freely and mingle with their guests at the reception.

Beach wedding gowns are not the only thing you need to consider though, as shoes are also important. Shoes for the bride and wedding party should not be too high. The humidity can cause uncomfortable and unflattering puffiness around the ankles. Delicate wedges or sandals with wider heels can be useful if your wedding is on the lawn or even sand.

 If guests are walking any distance, having a second pair of walking shoes in a pretty bag is handy as many outdoor surfaces can be in poor condition. You may provide fans for the guests or suggest that they bring one if they’re to be exposed to sun or heat for any length of time. A parasol may be a useful and stylish addition to an outfit.

Bridal make-up and hair can suffer due to humidity and wind. Using a primer under a reliable foundation is essential and avoid pink eye-shadow as it can be unflattering in equatorial light. Strap marks can be very difficult to conceal. If your beach wedding gown is strapless avoid tan lines in the weeks leading up to the big day. If desperate, a spray of leg make-up may help even the coverage. Loosely curled hairstyles are unreliable and prone to drooping. Up styles can be more secure and are a much better option.

The choice of attire for the groom and groomsmen is much greater for a tropical wedding. Semi formal lightweight suits with cotton shirts and elegant ties are acceptable. Stylish shorts and interesting over shirts are often in tune with the location. The choice should reflect the bride’s gown and tone of the service and reception.

Please inform your guests of the dress code so that they can select outfits which are comfortable and suitable for your exotic wedding. Bright colours can look great and patterned fabric can hide any perspiration marks.

When planning the day allow for climate changes and ensure that the wedding party and guests are cool, comfortable and provided with shade, seating, refreshing hand wipes and cold non alcoholic drinks.

Finally, try to choose the season at your dream destination which is the least hot and humid. You will relax and enjoy the wedding so much more if you know that you’ve planned well.

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Engaging the services of a personal stylist will give you the skills to understand you, your body shape and how to create a personal style. Personal stylists are trained professionals who can identify a wide range of body issues. They will supply the information you need to dress correctly and flatter your shape.

Have you noticed that on some days people remark on how well you look. A colour workshop with a personal stylist will give you an understanding of which colours and tones work well for you, enabling you to select from a palette of hues that enhance your whole appearance.

Everyone is different! You may be a “pear shape” however one variety of pear can be very different from another. While an understanding of body shape and colour is invaluable a personal stylist can go further. They will analyse your personality, tastes and lifestyle and help you discover the a look that is fashionable and right for you.

A wardrobe analysis with a personal stylist will identify the pieces that work well for you, and those that don’t. Some items will be retained, others reused and some rejected. Following a review of your wardrobe you will be given a shopping plan listing the key pieces you need to purchase. This strategy takes the guesswork out of shopping. You can then spend your dollars wisely on items that will mix and match, creating outfits that you will love to wear. Each of us has a budget to work to, and an personal stylist can guide you in building a functional and stylish wardrobe which works within your means. The informed selection of key pieces will form the basis for a long lasting stylish wardrobe.

A personal stylist is aware of current trends and fashions and how they can be worked into your wardrobe framework to keep you looking fresh and up to date. Knowing your best colours and personal style will make shopping for individual accessories fun and cost effective. The right choice of a current handbag, jewellery or shoes can totally transform an outfit!  A personal stylist knows exactly what to buy and where to find it. Shopping becomes a breeze as you will have a professional assistant giving the right advice, not a well meaning but uniformed friend, collaborating with you on your purchases.

Special occasion dressing can be fraught with difficult decisions. A personal stylist is trained in the etiquette and protocols of many situations. They can help you to coordinate an appropriate outfit for any function or special event. You can then relax and enjoy the occasion having confidence in your appearance and style.

When you fully comprehend your personality, style, colours and body shape then the fun begins. Shopping will become a positive experience. You can use your time effectively towards building a wardrobe that says to the world that you are a confident stylish person.

Shopping for what suits you and expresses your personality, will become easy armed with knowledge skill and confidence provided by the services of a personal stylist.

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In today’s economic climate we all want to save money. Do you have a full wardrobe but nothing to wear? Can’t afford to shop but still want a style-fix? Then it’s time to reorganise your wardrobe and decide what to wear and what not to wear!

Did you know that the average person only wear 20% of their clothes? How much money have you wasted on impulse buys, fashion fads or clothes in colours and styles that you don’t wear, don’t suit you or aren’t compatible with anything else you own?

If you’ve spent years buying clothes without a plan, then culling your wardrobe  is one of the most cleansing and therapeutic things you can do. Just remember to be ruthless. And during this process you’re sure to discover some forgotten articles of clothing or shoes that you can put back into rotation, so you’ll feel like you’ve bought something new! You will also decided on what not to wear.

It is important to remember that having a large number of clothes has little bearing on presenting yourself well. Someone who dresses with style doesn’t need to wear something different every day. Applying the ‘less is more’ theory, you need range and versatility to make great outfits. So let’s get moving…

Stage 1:  Take out every item in your wardrobe.

Toss out anything that is too shabby or old to give away, and bag up anything still in good condition to donate to charity.

Next, sort out every item into one of 4 piles.

RETAIN – it flatters your figure and your colouring. It works with just about everything. You wear it often. You feel great in it. Action! Back to the wardrobe. Make it earn its rent!

REPAIR – there’s hope here with just a few buttons missing, broken zippers, hems undone . Action! Get out your sewing kit, send it to your trusted alterations professional or recycle it.

RENOVATE – retrieval possible eg; too long, too short, too big or just a bit too snug. Note: A well-fitted garment looks much more expensive and custom made.  Action! Have it altered, dyed, updated with new buttons . If these aren’t feasible or desirable, recycle it.

RECYCLE – if you haven’t worn it in 12 months, chances are you won’t. If it’s dated, doesn’t fit or you don’t look or feel good in it – it needs to go! Action! Donate to charity or sell on ebay, but don’t let it share the same space as the clothes you wear. If it’s sentimental – archive it.

Stage 2:  So you’ve cleared your wardrobe, what now? Here’s the fun bit – time to fill the gaps!!

RE-ORGANISE – Wardrobes that work effectively for most of my clients are the ones that are organised by the type of clothing, and then by colour. So rearrange everything by categories: dresses in one section, jackets & coats in another, tops, pants, skirts, suits etc.  

REWORK –  Try on all the clothes that are left and explore new combinations. Include your accessories  – shoes, scarves, belts, jewellery and handbags. Consider what’s missing.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR - Look separately at your underwear, jackets, pants and tops and select only those items that you love to wear and need to replace purely because they are worn or tired. 

REINVEST –  Identify those items of clothing that if you DID have them, would help you create more outfits from your existing wardrobe. Try making your own list. This helps you prioritise your next purchase, and keeps the shopping focused on what you actually need.

REQUEST – Ask family and friends for department store shopping vouchers for Christmas, Birthdays  or  special occasions instead of (uunwanted) presents! If you receive a number of these, you can invest in quality items to expand your wardrobe options.

REVIEW:  How did you go -  is your closet empty? Don’t feel guilty – forgive your past clothing mistakes and move on. Whether on a tight budget or not, having a well-managed wardrobe will not only save you money but make your life much more efficient as well. 

Remember – just don’t buy anything. Buy the right thing and you will always know what to wear when it’s time to get ready. 

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Double duty – Select items that can do double duty for clothing. For example a sheer overshirt with cropped pants at night can double up over swimmwear during the day, a singlet top can be worn as a vest, and tights for gym work can add warmth under other layers etc. But what about other items? Look for shampoo-conditioner blends or all over body and hair wash combinations in travelsizes. Some cosmetic bags can be used as handbags and beach bags. Choose shoes and bags that can go from day to night.

Mix and match - Part of your optimization can be making sure most items go with most others. If you settle on a theme (charcoal, red, and white) you can find pieces that can be worn again in different combinations. A charcoal striped tank, a pair of white cropped pants, a black skirt, and a white tee will give you at least four days of outfits.

Think thin and layers - Whether you’re headed for warm or cool weather, layers work best. You can layer up multiple items for warmth, and thin items pack easier and take up less space. Also look for clothing with spandex that are less likely to crush and need ironing.
Pack enough – Make sure you have one full outfit planned for each day. Then pack another, just in case. Be sure to bring enough underwear plus one. If you’re going somewhere warm always pack a lightweight cardigan or jacket just in-case.

Balance dressy and casual – Most weekend or holiday destinations only require casual clothes. Include items such as interesting jewellery, statement pieces such as great earings or necklaces. Smart lightweight tops, must have black pants and a wrap or pashmina provide more options and variety from day to night. Light weight inclusions such as colourful scarves, sarongs and hats can add interest to an outfit.

If flying, pack your special pieces, swimwear, pyjamas, a change of underwear and cardigan and essential make-up in your onboard bag.

So when packing and deciding on what to wear be prepared and take into consideration the above tips

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